Anyone, even young and healthy individuals, can suffer heat stress if they are very active during hot weather or the heat index is very high; however, the following people are at greatest risk:

• Individuals 65 years of age or older
• Infants and young children
• Overweight individuals
• People who are performing manual labor or exercising outdoors
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take medications, such as those for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

Remind patients to keep cool and use common sense when temperatures and humidity are high by:

• Keeping in the shade or air conditioned areas as much as possible
• Increasing fluid intake
• Replacing salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and salty crackers, or drinking rehydrating beverages such as sports drinks
• Choosing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Wearing sunscreen
• Working slowly if not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity
• Stopping outdoor activities immediately if they feel dizzy or nauseated
• Using a buddy system. Watch others for heat-induced illness.

For additional information on heat stress, visit www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ or www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.